Translation guide
Expresses the idea of doing one's utmost, trying hard, or sparing no effort. Japanese uses various set phrases and verbs to convey this, often with a nuance of earnest striving or exhaustive effort.
To express that someone is making a sincere, all-out effort to achieve something.
Adverb/noun meaning 'with all one's might' or 'very hard'. The most common and natural way to say 'making every effort' in daily conversation.
He is studying very hard.
I'll do my best.
Literally 'to exhaust one's full power'. A strong, natural expression for making every possible effort.
I will fight with all my might.
He made every effort to solve the problem.
Means 'to spare no effort'. Emphasizes that one does not hold back in trying.
She spared no effort to succeed.
Literally 'to do everything one can'. A straightforward, natural way to say you're making every effort.
I'll do everything I can to help.
Adverb meaning 'to the best of one's ability' or 'with all one's might'. Slightly more formal than 一生懸命.
I will do my very best.
To emphasize that every possible method or avenue has been tried.
Means 'to exhaust every possible means'. Strongly conveys exhaustive effort.
We searched using every possible means.
Literally 'to exhaust one's hands', meaning to try every available method. Common in both speech and writing.
Idiom meaning 'to try every possible means' or 'to leave no stone unturned'. More emphatic than 手を尽くす.
To convey a sense of diligent, persistent effort, often over time.
Verb meaning 'to endeavor' or 'to make an effort'. Often used in the form 〜ように努める (to strive to do something).
I will make an effort not to be late.
Verb meaning 'to strive' or 'to work hard at'. Implies diligent, sustained effort.
Idiom meaning 'to take pains' or 'to make a great effort'. Literally 'to break one's bones'.
一生懸命 is an adverb describing the manner of doing something with great effort, while 全力を尽くす is a verb phrase meaning to exhaust all one's power. Use 一生懸命 to modify an action, and 全力を尽くす when you want to emphasize the completeness of the effort.
I ran as hard as I could.
I ran with all my might.
Direct translations like すべての努力をしている sound unnatural. Use the set phrases provided instead.
We tried everything, but couldn't solve it.
We left no stone unturned to raise funds.
He endeavored to solve the problem.
日々研究に励んでいます。
I am devoting myself to research every day.
彼はその計画に骨を折った。
He took great pains over the project.